Minor in Neural Computation and Engineering

The aim of this interdisciplinary minor at the University of Washington is to provide students with a background in quantitative, mathematical, engineering and computational approaches to problems in neuroscience. The minor includes courses with a mix of computational, analytical and experimental methods that form the core of computational neuroscience and neural engineering. The courses will provide a common core of skills that will enable all students to move forward toward independent research and graduate work in these interconnected fields.  Students who would like to declare the minor should consult with academic advisors in their home major departments.

Neural Computation and Engineering Minor Requirements

Minimum of 30 credits as follows:

  1. Foundational Courses: complete 1 course from
    • AMATH 342 Introduction to Neural Coding and Computation (W)
    • BIOEN 460 Neural Engineering (A)
    • BIOEN 466 Neural Computation and Engineering Lab (W)
  2. Neuro/medical ethics
    • One course from PHIL 242, CSE 480, BH 311, PHIL 442, BH 444
  3. Capstone complete 1 course from
    • NEUSCI 445 Quantitative Methods in Neuroscience (W)
    • BIOEN 461 Neural Engineering Tech Studio (Sp)
  4. Electives to reach a minimum of 30 credits. See below for updated elective list. Additional electives not on the list can be considered on an individual basis.
  5. Minimum cumulative 2.00 GPA for courses counted toward the minor
  6. Minimum of 18 credits outside of the student’s major requirements
  7. Minimum of 15 credits in upper division courses

Electives (need at least 12 credits graded). Note, courses cannot satisfy both required and elective options.

CourseTitle
BIOL/PSYCH 408Neuroethology
BIOL 418Biological Clocks and Rhythms
BIOL 419Data Science for Biologists
BIOL 428Sensory Neurophysiology and Ecology Lab 
BIOL 459Developmental Neurobiology
BIOL 461Neurobiology
NBIO 401Systems Neurobiology
NBIO 402Diseases of the Nervous System
NBIO 403Systems and Behavioral Neurobiology
NBIO 404Neuropharmacology
NBIO 450Topics in Current Neurobiology Research
NBIO 450BCurrent Research Literature in Neurobiology
NBIO 490Seminar in Computational Neuroscience
AMATH 422Computational Modeling of Biological Systems
AMATH 423Mathematical Analysis in Biology and Medicine
AMATH 481Scientific Computing
AMATH 482Computational Methods for Data Analysis
PSYCH 420Drugs and Behavior
PSYCH 421Neural Basis of Behavior
PSYCH 423Sensory Basis of Behavior
PSYCH 428Human Motor Control and Learning
PSYCH 429Brain Anatomy for the Behavioral Scientist
PSYCH 430Development of Brain Connections
PSYCH 432 Visual Neuroscience
PSYCH 460Cognitive Neuroscience
SPHSC 445 Models of Speech Processing
CSE 415Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CSE 428Computational Biology Capstone
CSE 440Intro to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
CSE 446Machine Learning
CSE 473Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CSE 484Computer Security
CSE 486Introduction to Synthetic Biology
CSE 490abComputers, Ethics, and Society
STAT 416 Introduction to Machine Learning

Please contact Dr. Jessica Huszar if you have any questions about the minor.